Who was the best heavyweight in 1994-1996?

I don’t think there was a clear number one for that entire two year period. But if I were to pick one who was closest it was probably Riddick Bowe

 

1994 : no one in particular.
1995 : Bowe.
1996 : Tyson and then Holyfield.

 

Foreman, since he was still the man who beat the man. No one had a better claim than him.

 

I think Lewis would have beaten Bowe in 95 .

 

Bowe didn't lose a fight during that stretch and tho his opposition was mostly modest he had that big win over Holyfield. Holyfield had two losses which cancel out a bit of that big Tyson whooping. Moorer did very little except losing to Foreman who only had two other fights in the period. Tyson being beaten by Holyfield and not doing much else puts paid to him. Lewis was transitioning to be the daddy of the division but wasn't there yet.

It's probably Riddick Bowe by a hair for me but no-one remotely took control of that period.

 

It's not just about who might have won head-to-head, but what they did that year.

Lewis was in a rebuilding phase and stopped his three opponents : hard punching Lionel Butler, ordinary but courageous Justin Fortune, and a faded Morrison.

Bowe also stopped all his opposition : unbeaten Hide, rising contender and heated rival Gonzalez and former undisputed champion Holyfield in a exciting rubber match. Holyfield had just beaten Mercer, who went to give Lewis his toughest fight one year later.

I think Bowe had a better case.

 

Fair point mate.

 

Definitely not Foreman. He beat Moorer in 1994 then dodged Tony Tucker to face Axel Schulz and lost, then avoided the rematch and lost any respect he had left. That performance dropped him out of the Mike Tyson Sweepstakes.

I'd say Riddick Bowe was the best at that time.

 

Probably Bowe, though he wasn't at his best in those last couple of years.

 

Yes but he put a terrific performance against Gonzalez. He really looked close to his best in that fight.

 

It was Mike Tyson.

 

Today Jake Paul is in the Mike Tyson sweepstakes

 

I disagree

 

Can't disagree with Mike Tyson convincing win over Bruno, Seldon and McNeely